Static kill of runaway Macondo well could be accelerated if certain conditions are met

BP could begin a static kill of its runaway Macondo well early if casing in the relief well is in place ahead of schedule, National Incident Commander Thad Allen said in a press briefing in New Orleans.

Having a vessel called the Q4000, which will pump mud for the procedure, ready will also impact the schedule of the static kill.

"We could maybe see this thing accelerated into the weekend," said Allen, although he said he preferred to stick with Monday as the anticipated date on which the static kill will occur.

The static kill involves pumping mud through the top of the well in an attempt to overcome the flow of oil.